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About the SWOT Analysis Tool

This analysis tool assists business with planning, helping them to achieve their goals, and manage potential risks. The analysis focusses on both internal and external factors related to the business. SWOT is an acronym and stands for: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

Features of a SWOT Entry

There are a variety of ways a SWOT entry can look, and your task will dictate how you complete your SWOT. However, there are three features which each entry should have.

  1. A statement of facts/evidencedata where relevant
  2. Analysis of how that fact impacts the business
  3. A source for the facts
  4. Give the entry a heading (Headings will help you identify relationships)

 

SWOT Analysis Template

Strengths

Features:

  • internal to the business and within the organisation's control
  • can be both tangible and intangible
  • positive 

Consider:

  • Management
  • Operations
  • Finances
  • marketing
  • Human Resources

Ask yourself:

  • What does the business do well?
    • This can include:
      • the type of product/service
      • loyal customer base
      • strong branding

Sources of information:

Research the business and gather information from:

  • Company Reports (IBISWorld (Log in > Sign in using SSO > use school email address), company website: About Us page)
  • Annual Reports 
  • Interviews with the organisation's CEO
  • General Google search

Additional Links:

Weaknesses

Features:

  • internal to the business and within the organisation's control
  • can be both tangible and intangible
  • negative
  • hinder a business from performing at its optimum level

Consider:

  • Management
  • Operations
  • Finances
  • marketing
  • Human Resources

Ask yourself:

  • What does the business need to address?
    • This can include:
      • poor reputation
      • high levels of debt
      • lack of capital/equity

Sources of information:

Research the business and gather information from:

  • Company Reports (IBISWorld (Log in > Sign in using SSO > use school email address), company website: About Us page)
  • Annual Reports 
  • Interviews with the organisation's CEO
  • General Google search

Additional Links:

Opportunities

Features:

  • external to the business and outside of the organisation's control
  • can be both tangible and intangible
  • positive

Consider:

  • Industry
  • Marketplace
  • Competition
  • Socio-cultural Trends
  • Technological Factors
  • Environmental Concerns
  • Economic Trends
  • Political Relationships
  • Legal Constraints
  • Ethical Issues

Ask yourself:

  • What elements exist that can contribute to a business gaining a competitive edge?
    • This can include:
      • emerging market for a product
      • potential for global expansion
      • unfavourable economic conditions

Sources of information:

Research the industry and current business environment by gathering information from:

  • Business Environment Profiles and Industry Reports (IBISWorld (Log in > Sign in using SSO > use school email address), company website: About Us page)
  • RBA Key Economic Indicators: Key Economic Indicators Snapshot | RBA
  • Annual Reports 
  • Interviews with the organisation's CEO
  • General Google search

Additional Links:

Threats

Features:

  • external to the business and outside of the organisation's control
  • can be both tangible and intangible
  • negative

Consider:

  • Industry
  • Marketplace
  • Competition
  • Socio-cultural Trends
  • Technological Factors
  • Environmental Concerns
  • Economic Trends
  • Political Relationships
  • Legal Constraints
  • Ethical Issues

Ask yourself:

  • What elements exist that can negatively impact on the performance of a business?
    • This can include:
      • increasing competition
      • decline in the industry
      • unfavourable economic conditions

Sources of information:

Research the industry and current business environment by gathering information from:

  • Business Environment Profiles and Industry Reports (IBISWorld (Log in > Sign in using SSO > use school email address), company website: About Us page)
  • RBA Key Economic Indicators: Key Economic Indicators Snapshot | RBA
  • Annual Reports 
  • Interviews with the organisation's CEO
  • General Google search

Additional Links: